Some Schools of Ikebana

Moribana: Water-Reflecting Style, J.A.Johnson

There are many schools of ikebana and they differ in underlying philosophies and theories of composition. Like other traditional Japanese art forms that we have looked at, ikebana instruction follows the iomoto pattern and the tradition specific to each school is handed down in a family of teachers.

Of all of the systems or schools of ikebana, the largest and oldest is the Ikenobo School. It was founded in the 15th century and is based in the Rokkakudo Temple, Kyoto. One prominent teacher of this school was a Buddhist priest named Ikenobo Senkai who is credited with the invention of the rikka ("standing flowers") style - one of the three major classical styles.

Another major school is the Ohara School, a modern school founded by Ohara Unshin (1861 -1916). Unshin devised a method of arrangement that took advantage of the new floral varieties being imported into Japan from the West. Called the moribana ("piled-up flowers') style, it also suited the westernized interiors that had come into vogue. The first public exhibition of the new style was held in 1897 and the Ohara School was founded in 1912. The Ohara School developed teaching methods that made it possible to train ordinary people to arrange in the moribana style. They also worked to promote ikebana and began to hold exhibitions in department stores.

The Sogetsu School is also a modern school. Founded by Teshigahara Sofu, it is known for its sculptural approach. A very useful tool made popular by the Sogetsu School is the diagram known as a kakei. Kakeizu illustrate both frontal and overhead views of an arrangement and show not only the placement of the bases of the stems in the vase but how the branches bend and relate to one another. Instructions for cutting stems to the correct length, based on rules of proportion, are also provided.

Points to Ponder: Please go to the Ikebana International website and browse through some of the links to the various schools. Note that many of the schools teach the same styles (Nageire, Shoka, etc.) but the results look very different. Is there a school whose philosophy or look resonates with you? Is there one that just leaves you cold?